TEMPE, AZ--(Marketwire - Nov 23, 2011) - The Teacher Preparation Program of Rio Salado College recently received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholarship Program award of nearly $1.2 million to support the recruitment and training of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals who are interested in becoming a science or math teacher in 7-12 grade classrooms in Arizona.

"The need for inspiring teachers in STEM-related subjects is critical for the future of Arizona's economy and experienced professionals in these fields have much to offer," said Dr. Chris Bustamante, Rio Salado College president. "Rio is honored to be one of the few community colleges in the nation to receive a Noyce grant and be a part of this important initiative."

The Noyce Scholarship award will fund tuition, textbooks, fees and technical support for four cohorts of 10 participants each over the next four years. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, Arizona resident, have a minimum of three years' experience in a STEM-related field, a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline, and commit to teach for two years in a high-need school. The application deadline for the first cohort is December 16, 2011.

Successful Noyce scholar participants will complete a comprehensive 15-month teacher certification program with online course instruction and on-site teaching experiences in conveniently located school districts. Rio will also provide mentoring and professional support to students as they fulfill the required two-year teaching commitment.

"This combination of online and in-person instruction and support will provide STEM professionals flexibility in completing the course training and allow the program to recruit Noyce Scholars statewide," said Janet Johnson, Rio's education chair.

Businesses such as Intel, the Arizona Business and Education Coalition, and health care providers in Arizona will be essential to getting the word out to displaced, trade affected or retiring workers in STEM-related fields.

"The Noyce Scholarship Program is such a boon to both education and industry -- particularly in rural Arizona," said Susan Carlson, executive director of the Arizona Business and Education Coalition.

"These scholarships provide a pathway for STEM-talented individuals to move from the private sector into the classroom: benefitting them as individuals, benefitting students who will learn from experienced STEM professionals, and benefitting STEM industries which are looking for well-educated grads."

Rio's highly regarded Teacher Preparation Program was recently joined by The New York Times Knowledge Network. The online program is designed for busy adults who already have a bachelor's degree and want to become a teacher. Through the NYT Epsilen™ platform, Noyce scholars will be afforded expanded resources such as The Times' content repository and networking with other students from across the nation while enrolled in the hybrid-distance learning program.